Importing problems (*.3ds distorted / *.obj no materials)
I understand your frustration. 

I see on the site there's a FBX model as well. Have you tried that?
I too have this experience with 3ds format (seems broken with recent max export). Also there is issues getting 3ds out from blender and into recent 3dstudio max versions (format has changed it seems)

If the FBX does not work, 
(I'm not sure if you are on windows or linux ), but if you are on windows I would try to use this converter:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/item?siteID=123112&amp;id=22694909
convert the fbx to dae \ obj \ 3ds with this tool and try those files, that might help as well.